Pregnant Women Should Not Travel to These Countries, CDC Says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an alert for travel to countries and regions experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.

Some of these countries include Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Thailand and the Philippines. (View the full list here.)

Recent reports from Brazil indicate that the virus, which is spread to humans through mosquito bites, is responsible for a birth defect that causes babies to have abnormally small heads. Expectant mothers infected with Zika virus while pregnant have given birth to infants with microcephaly, a condition defined by abnormal cerebrums and improperly developed brains, WSBTVreports.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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The CDC advises all travelers to countries where the virus is ongoing to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites: wearing long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets. The organization also recommends the following precautions specifically for pregnant women:

Consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.Women trying to become pregnant who are thinking about becoming pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.

The Zika virus has been linked to one U.S. case of the birth defect, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. At this time, there is no medication to prevent or treat Zika.